Gesture based document editor

ABSTRACT

A method for editing objects on a device comprising forming a first path on a touch screen with a pointing device. The first path at least partially encloses an object. The at least partially enclosed object is automatically selected. A second path is formed at a predetermined area on the touch screen with the pointing device. The second path activates an editing operation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED US PATENT APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No.:11/284,141, filed on 21 Nov. 2005, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

FIELD

The disclosed embodiments generally relate to touch screen userinterfaces and in particular to a gesture based document editor.

BACKGROUND

The usage of pen or stylus input methods on mobile devices such as forexample, mobile phones, personal digital assistants and the like isbecoming ever more popular. One of the most commonly used functions ofthe pen on these mobile devices is the inputting of text. As such,convenient pen based text editing systems are in demand.

In order to make full use of the limited screen area on devices such asmobile devices for writing, a full screen user interface is widelyadopted. Because of the full screen user interface, most of theoperations for editing text, e.g. text selection, deletion, moving,copying and pasting cannot be performed in the text area as easily as itcan be performed using a box-based pen input user interface.

Traditionally, the strokes written in the text area are regarded ascomponents of a written character so the user has to put down the penand resort to using keys for the text editing operations. In someinstances the pen can manage all the text editing operations but theuser has to conduct the text editing in a very inefficientcharacter-by-character manner. There are other solutions that requirethe user of the mobile device to switch to a box-based user interfacefor text editing thus, enabling the text selection and edit operationsin the text area.

SUMMARY

The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to a gesture baseddocument editor. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a methodfor editing objects on a device is provided. The method comprisesforming a first path on a touch screen with a pointing device. The firstpath at least partially encloses an object. The at least partiallyenclosed object is automatically selected. A second path is formed at apredetermined area on the touch screen with the pointing device. Thesecond path activates an editing operation.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a device for editing objectsis provided. The device comprises a display processor, a touch screencoupled to the display processor, a first and second input detectionunit coupled to the display processor, an input recognition unit coupledto the display processor and an editing unit coupled to the inputrecognition unit. The first input detection unit receives a first inputin the form of a user forming a first path on the touch screen with apointing device. The second input detection unit receives a second inputin the form of the user forming a second path on the touch screen withthe pointing device. The input recognition unit detects the first pathat least partially enclosing an object. The input recognition unit alsodetects the second path, which is formed at a predetermined area of thetouch screen and generates an editing signal. The editing unit activatesan editing function in response to the editing signal.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a computer program productis provided. The computer program product has a computer useable mediumhaving computer readable code means embodied therein for causing acomputer to edit objects on a device. The computer program productincludes computer readable program code means to cause a computer toform a first path, as defined with a pointing device on a touch screen,that at least partially encloses an object. The computer program productalso includes computer readable program code means to cause a computerto automatically select the at least partially enclosed object. Thecomputer program product includes computer readable program code meansto cause a computer to form a second path, as defined with the pointingdevice at a predetermined area of the touch screen, wherein the secondpath activates an editing operation.

In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment, an article ofmanufacture is provided. The article of manufacture has a computeruseable medium having computer readable program code means embodiedtherein for causing a computer to edit objects on a device. The computerreadable code means in the article of manufacture has computer readableprogram code means for causing a computer to form a first path, asdefined on a touch screen with a pointing device, that at leastpartially encloses an object. The computer readable program code meansin the article of manufacture also causes a computer to automaticallyselect the at least partially enclosed object. The computer readableprogram code means in the article of manufacture also causes a computerto form a second path, as defined at a predetermined area on the touchscreen with the pointing device, the second path activating an editingoperation

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and other features of the disclosed embodimentsare explained in the following description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portion of a device that incorporates atouch screen and display processor that operates in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the device of FIG. 1 in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 3( a) and 3(b) illustrate yet another embodiment of the device ofFIG. 1 and illustrate a process for selecting an object in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 4( a)-4(g) illustrate object editing in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 5( a)-5(d) illustrate object editing in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 6( a) and 6(b) illustrate selection of an object in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates selection of an object in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates selection of an object in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a typical apparatusincorporating features according to the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram in accordance with a method of an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram in accordance with another method of anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram in accordance with still another method of anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram in accordance with yet another method of anexemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of the selection of an object inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system incorporating features ofthe presently disclosed embodiments. Although the disclosed embodimentswill be described with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown inthe drawings and described below, it should be understood that thedisclosed embodiments may include any number of alternate forms.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a portion of a device 1 having adisplay processor 12 and a touch screen display 10 incorporatingfeatures of the disclosed embodiments. A pointing device 11, such as forexample, a stylus, pen or simply the user's finger can be used with thetouch screen display 10. In alternate embodiments any suitable pointingdevice may be used. The display 10 and pointing device 11 form a userinterface of the device 1, and may be configured as a graphical userinterface. The display processor 12 is coupled to a memory 14 thatstores a gesture or stroke based selection algorithm for causing thedisplay processor 12 to operate in accordance with the disclosedembodiments. A first communication or data link or connection 12A existsbetween the display 10 and the processor 12 for the processor 12 toreceive coordinate information that is descriptive or indicative of thelocation of the tip or end of the pointing device 11 relative to thesurface of the display 10. The display 10 is typically pixelated, andmay contain liquid crystal (LC) or some other type of display pixels. Inalternate embodiments any suitable type of display may be utilized.

The display processor 12 generally provides display data directly orindirectly to the display 10 over a second communication or data link orconnection 12B for activating desired pixels, as is well known in theart. A given coordinate location, such as for example an x-y location onthe surface of the display 10 may correspond directly or indirectly toone or more display pixels, depending on the pixel resolution and theresolution of the touch screen itself. A single point on the touchscreen display 10 (a single x-y location) may thus correspond to onepixel or to a plurality of adjacent pixels. Differing from a singlepoint, a path, stroke or line 50 (as these terms are usedinterchangeably herein) may have a starting x-y point (S) and an endingx-y point (E), and may include some number of x-y locations between Sand E. Bringing an end of the pointing device 11 in proximity to or incontact with the surface of the display 10 may mark starting point S ofthe stroke 50 and subsequently moving or lifting the end of the pointingdevice 11 away from the surface of the display 10 may mark the end pointE of the stroke 50. In one embodiment, the pointing device 11 does notneed to make contact with the surface of the display 10 to cause theformation of, or recognition of an input signal to form a mark. Bringingthe end of the pointing device 11 in proximity to or in contact with thesurface of the display 10 and subsequently moving or lifting the end ofthe pointing device 11 away from the surface of the display 10, withoutmoving the tip of the pointing device over the surface of the display10, may mark a single point.

Note that the stroke 50 can partially or substantially encompass orenclose an area or object on the surface of the display 10 in order toactivate the selection of the object, as will be described below. Inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment, if the area 22 contains adisplay object and is partially or substantially enclosed by a stroke,then the object within the enclosed area becomes a selected targetobject 10A. Other display objects, not within the area (within thebounds of the stroke) are not “selected”, as that term is commonlyunderstood, and can be referred to as a non-selected object 10B.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the device 1, may be forexample, a cellular telephone 1A as shown in FIG. 2. The cellulartelephone 1A may have a keypad 25, a touch screen display 10 and apointing device 11 for use on the touch screen display 10. In accordancewith another exemplary embodiment, the device 1 may be a PDA 1B as shownin FIGS. 3( a) and 3(b). The PDA 1B may also have a touch screen display10 and a pointing device 11. In still other alternate embodiments, thedevice 1 may be a personal communicator, a tablet computer, a laptop ordesktop computer, or any other suitable device capable of containing thetouch screen display 10 and supported electronics such as the displayprocessor 12. Note that the display processor 12 need not be dedicatedto the task of operating the touch screen display 10, and may beresponsible for performing other tasks in the device 1 as well. Also,the display processor 12 may not in and of itself actually select one ormore displayed objects that are generally encompassed within an areadefined by a stroke. Instead, the display processor 12 may send a signalto a higher level of software, such as the operating system, foridentifying the object(s) indicated or selected by the user with thepointing device 11.

Referring now to FIGS. 3( a), 3(b), 4(a) through 4(g) and 5(a), a methodfor selecting an object in accordance with an exemplary embodiment willnow be described. As discussed above, the touch screen display 10 andthe pointing device 11 may be configured as a user interface of thedevice 1. In this exemplary embodiment, a user of the device 1 maydesire to select an object for editing that is displayed on the touchscreen display 10 as part of an application or other program stored oroperating in the device 11. The editing functions can include forexample, a copy and paste function, a cut and paste function, a movefunction and a delete function. As shown in FIG. 4( a), a series of textcharacters are shown in the display 10. In alternate embodiments, theobject(s) on the display may be for example, a figure, drawing or anyother desired object located on the display 10 of device 1. In alternateembodiments, there may a group of objects 3, as can be seen in FIG. 3(a), that are presented on the display 10 and are available to beselected by a user. Although text will be used to describe the exemplaryembodiments, it should be understood that the exemplary embodimentsapply equally to any suitable object that can be displayed on the device1. Also, although the text, such as for example text 15 in FIG. 4( a),is generally depicted in the figures in the English language, anysuitable language, text characters or objects can be used.

In one embodiment, the stroke based selection algorithm 14A, as seen inFIG. 1, may be used to detect if an area or object on the display 10 hasbeen enclosed or marked by a user (i.e. the selection stroke 50) so thatan object 10A may be selected. For example, the user partially orsubstantially encloses the text to be edited using a selection stroke 50as can be seen in FIGS. 4( a) and 4(b). In one embodiment, and as willbe described below, the stroke 50 does not need to be a completelyclosed shape as can be seen best in FIGS. 1 and 6. The selection stroke50 may be formed by the user via a stroke in any suitable direction suchas for example, left, right, up, down, clockwise or counterclockwise.The selection stroke may take any shape that is sufficient to generallyencompass or enclose the desired object(s), such as text 15, that is tobe selected.

The selection stroke 50 need not be a completely closed shape in orderto select a text segment 20. In accordance with this exemplaryembodiment, when the start and end points S, E of a selection stroke 50,as can be seen in FIG. 6( a), are within a predetermined distance fromeach other, the text selection is recognized and accepted as valid bythe stroke based selection algorithm 14A and the object is selected. Inone embodiment, the start and end points S, E are in close proximity toeach other. In alternate embodiments, the start and end points S, E canbe any suitable distance from each other. As such, the user may proceedwith subsequent editing operations as will be described below. If thestart and end points S, E of the selection stroke 50 are not within apredetermined distance from each other as shown for example, in FIG. 6(b), the selection is not recognized by the stroke based selectionalgorithm 14A, the object or character is not selected and the editsequence or routine is not activated. In one embodiment, thepredetermined distance between the start and end points S, E of theselection stroke 50 may vary depending on the language being used.

In one embodiment, the user may partially or substantially enclose orencompass a single object or multiple objects with a selection stroke50. For example, referring to FIGS. 4( a)-(c), 14(a) and 14(b), ifmultiple objects are to be selected the objects must be in a continuousrelationship to each other, such as characters 24. The characters 24 maybe for example, a series of objects or letters adjacent to each othersuch as the letters forming a word. In alternate embodiments, characters24 may be for example, a string of characters or objects comprising awhole paragraph or a complete sentence. If the selected text does notrepresent a character string such as for example, the text 90 as shownin FIGS. 7 and 14( c), the selection is not recognized as valid by thestroke based selection algorithm 14A and no object is selected. Rather,the attempted selection of non-continuous text may activate a textrecognition function 65, as seen in FIG. 7, that presents the user withobject or text options (i.e. characters) that resemble the shape of thestroke 50 used to enclose the non-continuous text. The user may chooseto insert one of the characters or objects displayed by the textrecognition function 65 into the document or onto the display 10.

In alternate embodiments, such as where the device 1 is configured to beused with the English language, a valid selection stroke 50 may resemblea character in the English language such as the letter “O” or “U”. Inone embodiment, where the valid selection stroke does resemble acharacter in the English language, the stroke based selection algorithm14A may both recognize the selection as valid as well as activate a textrecognition function 65. For example, the selection stroke 95, as shownin FIG. 8, encloses the character string “us”. Even though a characterstring has been enclosed, the selection stroke 95 also resembles theletter “O”. As such, the stroke based selection algorithm 14A recognizesthe object selection as valid and selects the enclosed text, while atthe same time, activates a text recognition function 65 allowing theuser to choose between whether the selected text 20 is to be edited inaccordance with this exemplary embodiment or if the inputted character,i.e. the letter “O”, is to be interpreted using the text recognitionfunction 65.

Referring to FIGS. 4( a) through 4(g) and FIG. 10, the user selects aportion of text 20 to be edited using a selection stroke 50 (block 1001,FIG. 10). Once the selection stroke 50 is recognized the text 20 isselected and highlighted 22. The selected and highlighted text 23, asseen in FIG. 4( c), may include for example, characters 24, which are ina continuous relationship to each other, as discussed above. Theselection of the text 20, made in the manner described above, isautomatically recognized by the stroke based selection algorithm 14A atthe point in time when the pointing device 11 leaves or substantiallybreaks contact with the touch screen 10 (block 1002, FIG. 10). A markedselection area 22 may indicate the selected text 23. The markedselection area 22 may be highlighted or shaded as shown in FIG. 4( c)(block 1002, FIG. 10). In alternate embodiments, the selection area maybe highlighted in any suitable manner, including for example a hatchpattern as shown in FIG. 3( b). In yet other alternate embodiments, theselection area may be highlighted with for example, a coloredbackground.

Once the selected text 23 is recognized by the stroke based selectionalgorithm 14A, the user may manipulate the selected text 23 via gesturesor movements made with the pointing device 11 substantially or at leastpartially in contact with the touch screen 10 over the selected area 22.In one embodiment, it may not be necessary for the pointing device 11 tomake physical contact with the touch screen 10 in order to form a mark.As shown in FIG. 4( d), in order to initiate an editing function, theuser makes or forms a mark over the selected text 23. The mark, forexample mark 30, can include any suitable mark or marking formed bysubstantially contacting the pointing device 11 to the display 10 andmoving the pointing device 11 over the selected area 22. For example, inone embodiment and as shown in FIG. 4( d), the user has caused a “V” orcheck shaped mark to appear over the selected area 22. In oneembodiment, the “V” or check symbolizes or causes a copying editingfunction to activate. In alternate embodiments, any predetermined orpre-defined symbols, characters or markings can be used to initiatespecific editing functions. In one embodiment, the manipulation of theselected text 23 may include editing functions such as for example,copy, cut, paste and delete operations. In alternate embodiments, anysuitable text or image editing functions can be used. For example,referring to FIGS. 4( d) and 5(a), a copy and paste operation will nowbe described. In one embodiment, the user makes a mark or pen stroke 30,in the selected text area 22, which is substantially shaped like theletter “V”. In accordance with this exemplary embodiment, thesubstantially “V” shaped mark 30 represents or activates a copyoperation (block 1003, FIG. 10). The point in time at which the copyoperation is activated is when, after making or forming the mark 30, thepointing device 11 is substantially lifted off or moved away from thedisplay 10. When the selected text 23 is copied, as that term iscommonly understood, an abbreviated version 70 of the selected text 23is displayed and stored on a clipboard 25, as can be seen in FIGS. 4(e), 4(f) and 5(a) (block 1004, FIG. 10). In alternate embodiments, anysuitable indication that the selected text has been copied may beemployed. The abbreviated version 70 of the selected text may include aportion of the selected text such as for example, only the first fewcharacters of the selected text. In alternate embodiments, when anobject such as for example, a figure or drawing is selected, a miniatureversion of the figure or drawing or only a portion of the figure ordrawing may be displayed on the clipboard. In alternate embodiments, anysuitable abbreviation may be used to represent the selected objectplaced on the clipboard.

In this exemplary embodiment, the user may paste the selected text 23 orobject for example, in any suitable area on the display 10. For example,in one embodiment, the user may paste the selected text 23 or object ina document as can be seen in FIGS. 4( f) and 4(g). In alternateembodiments, the user may paste the selected text 23 or object inanother document or application that may be stored in or available tothe device 1. In one embodiment, the paste operation may be activated bya second substantially “V” shaped mark 40 that is made by the user atthe desired point or area within the document as shown in FIG. 4( f)(block 1005, FIG. 10). The paste operation is recognized, after makingor forming the second mark 40, when the pointing device 11 issubstantially lifted off of or moved away from the display 10. Uponrecognition of the paste operation by the stroke based selectionalgorithm 14A, the selected text 23 is pasted from the clipboard 25 tothe point or area previously selected by the user, i.e. where the mark40 has been made (block 1006, FIG. 10). In accordance with thisexemplary embodiment, the mark 30 representing the copy operation andthe second mark 40 representing the paste operation are bothsubstantially “V” shaped. However, in alternate embodiments any suitablyshaped pen strokes can be used to initiate the copy and pasteoperations. As can be seen in FIG. 4( g), as a result of the pasteoperation, the selected text 23 is inserted into the document as pastedtext 85. In one embodiment, the selected and copied text 23 is placedand stored on the clipboard 25. As such, the selected text 23 may bepasted into the document numerous times if desired, without reselectingthe text 20, as described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 5( b) and 11, a cutting and pasting function inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment, will now be described. In thisexemplary embodiment, a portion of text 23 is selected in asubstantially similar manner as described above (blocks 1101 and 1102,FIG. 11). In one embodiment, to activate the cut operation, as thatoperation is commonly understood, the user makes or forms a mark 35within the selected text area 22 using the pointing device 11, as can beseen in FIG. 5( b) (block 1103, FIG. 10). In this embodiment, the mark35 is substantially in the form of an “X”. In alternate embodiments, anysuitably shaped stroke may be utilized to activate the cut operation.The cut operation is recognized when the pointing device 11 issubstantially lifted off of or moved away from the display 10 aftermaking or forming the substantially “X” shaped mark 35. When the cutoperation is recognized by the stroke based selection algorithm 14A, theselected text 23 is cut or removed from the visible area of the display10 or document, as seen in FIG. 5( b) (block 1104, FIG. 11). In oneembodiment, the cut text 24 is placed and stored on the clipboard 25 sothat an abbreviated version 70 of the cut text 24 is shown on theclipboard 25, as can be seen in FIG. 5( b) (block 1104, FIG. 11). Theuser may paste the cut text 24 from the clipboard 25 into the documentor application in a manner substantially similar to that described abovefor the copy and paste operation (blocks 1105 and 1106, FIG. 11). Again,because the cut text 24 is placed or stored on the clipboard 25 the cuttext 24 may be inserted into the document any desired number of times.

Referring now to FIGS. 5( c) and 12, a move operation in accordance withan exemplary embodiment will now be described. In this exemplaryembodiment, a portion of text 23 is selected in a substantially similarmanner as described above (blocks 1201 and 1202, FIG. 12). In oneembodiment, to activate the move operation, as that operation iscommonly understood, the user may make or form a substantially “V”shaped mark or stroke 40 at the predetermined point within the document,as shown in FIG. 5( c) (block 1203, FIG. 12). In alternate embodiments,any suitably shaped mark may be used to activate the move operation. Themove operation is recognized by the stroke based selection algorithm 14Awhen the pointing device 11 is substantially lifted off of or moved awayfrom the display 10 after the user makes or forms the mark 40. Uponrecognition of the move operation, the selected text 23 is cut from itsoriginal position on the display 10, within the document or within theapplication and moved to the position indicated by the substantially “V”shaped mark 40 without being placed on the clipboard 25, as can be seenin FIG. 5( c) (blocks 1204 and 1205, FIG. 12). Because the moved text 86is not placed on the clipboard 25 during the move operation, the text 86may be reselected each time the text 86 is to be moved to another placewithin the document or on the display.

Referring now to FIGS. 5( d) and 13, a delete operation in accordancewith yet another exemplary embodiment will now be described. In thisexemplary embodiment, a portion of text 23 is selected in asubstantially similar manner as discussed above (blocks 1301 and 1302,FIG. 13). In one embodiment, to activate the delete operation, as thatoperation is commonly understood, the user may make or form a gesture ormark 45 substantially over the selected text 23, as can be seen in FIG.5( d) (block 1303, FIG. 13). In this embodiment, the gesture or mark 45is in the form of a substantially straight line. In alternateembodiments, any suitable mark may be utilized to activate the deleteoperation. The mark 45 may be made substantially within the selectedtext area 22 and in, for example, the general direction of arrow 100. Inalternate embodiments, the mark 45 may be made in any predetermineddirection. The delete operation is recognized by the stroke basedselection algorithm 14A when the pointing device 11 is substantiallylifted off of or moved away from the display 10 after making or formingthe mark 45. When the delete operation is recognized, the deleted text46 is removed from the document without being placed on the clipboard25, as can be seen in FIG. 5( d) (block 1304, FIG. 13).

Although the foregoing description is in the context of a full screenuser interface input mode it, should be understood that the exemplaryembodiments apply to box-based pen user interfaces or any other suitabletype of interface as well.

The disclosed embodiments may also include software and computerprograms incorporating the process steps and instructions describedabove that are executed in different computers. FIG. 9 is a blockdiagram of a typical apparatus 900 incorporating features of thedisclosed embodiments. As shown, a computer system 902 may be linked toanother computer system 904, such that the computers 902 and 904 arecapable of sending information to each other and receiving informationfrom each other. In one embodiment, computer system 902 could include aserver computer adapted to communicate with a network 906. Computersystems 902 and 904 can be linked together in any conventional mannerincluding a modem, hard wire connection, or fiber optic link. Generally,information can be made available to both computer systems 902 and 904using a communication protocol typically sent over a communicationchannel or through a dial-up connection on ISDN line. Computers 902 and904 are generally adapted to utilize program storage devices embodyingmachine readable program source code which is adapted to cause thecomputers 902 and 904 to perform a method steps of the disclosedembodiments. The program storage devices incorporating features of thedisclosed embodiments may be devised, made and used as a component of amachine utilizing optics, magnetic properties and/or electronics toperform the procedures and methods of the presently disclosedembodiments. In alternate embodiments, the program storage devices mayinclude magnetic media such as a diskette or computer hard drive, whichis readable and executable by a computer. In other alternateembodiments, the program storage devices could include optical disks,read-only-memory (“ROM”) floppy disks and semiconductor materials andchips.

Computer systems 902 and 904 may also include a microprocessor forexecuting stored programs. Computer 902 may include a data storagedevice 908 on its program storage device for the storage of informationand data. The computer program or software incorporating the processesand method steps of the disclosed embodiments may be stored in one ormore computers 902 and 904 on an otherwise conventional program storagedevice. In one embodiment, computers 902 and 904 may include a userinterface 910, and a display interface 912 from which features of thedisclosed embodiments can be accessed. The user interface 908 and thedisplay interface 912 can be adapted to allow the input of queries andcommands to the system, as well as present the results of the commandsand queries.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of the disclosed embodiments. Various alternatives andmodifications can be devised by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the embodiments disclosed herein. Accordingly, thepresently disclosed embodiments are intended to embrace all suchalternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for editing objects on a devicecomprising: receiving a first path on a touch screen with a pointingdevice in relation to an object having multiple characters, the firstpath at least partially enclosing the object; automatically selectingthe at least partially enclosed object when the multiple characters arein a continuous relationship to each other and form a word, sentence, orparagraph; and receiving a second path on the touch screen with thepointing device, wherein the second path activates an editing operation.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second path is received at apredetermined area on the touch screen.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the editing operation is a move operation and the at leastpartially enclosed object is moved to a predetermined area on the touchscreen.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the first pathcomprises receiving a path wherein a start point and an end point of thepath are within a predetermined distance from each other.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the editing operation is a delete operation thatdeletes the at least partially enclosed object.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein the partially enclosed object comprises one character or aplurality of characters, wherein the plurality of characters have acontinuous relationship to each other.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising receiving a third path at a predetermined area on the touchscreen with the pointing device, wherein the third path activates asecond editing operation.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the thirdpath has the same shape form as the second path.
 9. The method of claim7, wherein the editing operation is a cut operation and the secondediting operation is a paste operation.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein the cut operation comprises deleting the selected object anddisplaying an abbreviated version of the selected object on a clipboard.11. The method of claim 7, wherein the editing operation is a copyoperation and the second editing operation is a paste operation.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising displaying an abbreviated versionof the selected object on a clipboard.
 13. A device for editing objectscomprising: a processor; a memory including computer program code, thememory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor,cause the device at least to: receive a first path on a touch screenwith a pointing device in relation to an object having multiplecharacters, the first path at least partially enclosing the object;automatically select the at least partially enclosed object when themultiple characters are in a continuous relationship to each other andform a word, sentence, or paragraph; and receive a second path on thetouch screen with the pointing device, wherein the second path activatesan editing operation.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the memory andthe computer program code are configured to, with the processor, causethe device to receive the second path at a predetermined area on thetouch screen.
 15. The device of claim 13, wherein the editing operationis a move operation and the memory and the computer program code areconfigured to, with the processor, cause the device to move thepartially enclosed object to a predetermined area on the touch screen.16. The device of claim 13, wherein the editing operation is a deleteoperation and the memory and the computer program code are configuredto, with the processor, cause the device to delete the partiallyenclosed object.
 17. The device of claim 13, wherein the memory and thecomputer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause thedevice to receive a third path at a predetermined area on the touchscreen with the pointing device, wherein the third path activates asecond editing operation.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein theediting operation is a copy or cut operation and the second editingoperation is a paste operation.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein thememory and the computer program code are configured to, with theprocessor, cause the device to display an abbreviated version of theselected object on a clipboard.
 20. A computer program productcomprising computer readable code embodied on a non-transitory computerreadable storage medium, wherein the computer readable code causes acomputer to edit objects on a device by: receiving a first path on atouch screen with a pointing device in relation to an object havingmultiple characters, the first path at least partially enclosing theobject; automatically selecting the at least partially enclosed objectwhen the multiple characters are in a continuous relationship to eachother and form a word, sentence, or paragraph; and receiving a secondpath on the touch screen with the pointing device, wherein the secondpath activates an editing operation.
 21. The computer program product ofclaim 20, wherein the computer readable code causes the computer toreceive the second path at a predetermined area on the touch screen. 22.The computer program product of claim 20, wherein the editing operationis a move operation and the computer readable code causes the computerto move the at least partially enclosed object to a predetermined areaon the touch screen.
 23. The computer program product of claim 20,wherein the editing operation is a delete operation and the computerreadable code causes the computer to delete the selected object.
 24. Thecomputer program product of claim 20, wherein the computer readable codecauses the computer to form a third path, as defined with a pointingdevice at a second area on the touch screen, wherein the third pathactivates a second editing operation for inserting the selected objectat the second area.
 25. The computer program product of claim 24,wherein the editing operation is a copy or cut operation and the secondediting operation is a paste operation.